Statement by Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie on the Death of Rabbi SchindlerPresident, Union of American Hebrew CongregationsNovember 15, 2000/17 Cheshvan 5761Union of American Hebrew Congregations

We have lost one of the great Jewish leaders of our generation? Many disagreed with Alex, some from within his movement and many outside of his movement. But Jews everywhere, liberal and conservative, Orthodox and Hasidic, American and Israeli, loved and cherished him. Being in his presence was a joy; hearing him speak was a delight. His soaring vision brought us to new heights, and he will be sorely missed.

Rabbi Eric H. YoffieRabbi Alexander Schindler's successor

We have lost one of the great Jewish leaders of our generation.

Alex Schindler was an Ohev Yisrael'a lover of the people of Israel. As Chairman of the Presidents' Conference of Major American Jewish Organizations during a difficult time for the State of Israel, he united the entire Jewish community, which rallied to his leadership.

As a visionary leader of Reform Judaism, he declared his commitment to an inclusive, all-enfolding Judaism-which meant welcoming converts and embracing intermarried couples and integrating them into synagogue life.

As a prophetic voice for social justice, he believed that Jews were obligated to apply the insights of their religious tradition to the problems of the society around them, and he spoke out forcefully for the poor, for civil rights, and for gay rights. And throughout his long tenure, his was a voice of optimism and hope, and his leadership was characterized by charisma, immense personal warmth, and extraordinary poetic oratory.

Many disagreed with Alex, some from within his movement and many outside of his movement. But Jews everywhere, liberal and conservative, Orthodox and Hasidic, American and Israeli, loved and cherished him. Being in his presence was a joy; hearing him speak was a delight. His soaring vision brought us to new heights, and he will be sorely missed.